Starting your own business: Things I’ve learned as an entrepreneur

It’s been eight years since I launched Soar Media Group Inc., a social media marketing agency in Toronto, and the journey’s been nothing short of a rollercoaster. Starting your own business is a lot more complicated than the gurus on Instagram make you think! It requires grit and grind that you will never experience working for someone else. Along the way, I’ve picked up some hard-earned lessons—not just about marketing tactics or business tips but about surviving and thriving as an entrepreneur. Through the highs and lows, I’ve realized that success in entrepreneurship isn’t just about the products or services you offer; it’s about embracing adaptability, resilience, and continuous learning. Here are the 8 things I’ve learned as a female entrepreneur.

Tips before starting your own business

Trust Your Gut

In the fast-paced marketing world, you’re bombarded with data, trends, and opinions left, right, and center. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is to trust my instincts, particularly when choosing clients. Amidst the flurry of inquiries, it’s crucial to discern which clients will be profitable and committed for the long term. Your gut feeling is a powerful compass that can guide you through these decisions. Whether you’re considering taking on a new client or evaluating the potential profitability of a project, that gut feeling has steered me right more times than I can count. While gathering data and seeking advice is essential, trusting your intuition can lead to selecting clients who align with your values and vision for sustainable growth.

Don’t Overshare

In the competitive realm of marketing, ideas are currency. Especially in this digital age, it’s tempting to share every aspect of your business journey, even personal ones, with the world. However, I’ve learned the hard way that some ideas are best kept close to the chest. Sharing too much, whether it’s innovative business strategies or personal vulnerabilities, can leave you exposed to exploitation or even harm. Collaboration is valuable, but not everyone you meet is trustworthy or has your best interests at heart. I’ve learned to be discerning about who I share my ideas—and parts of myself—with. It’s not about being paranoid—it’s about safeguarding your creative spark and maintaining a competitive edge. By trusting your intuition about whom to trust, you not only protect your business but also your own well-being, leaving room for vulnerability and authenticity while still preserving boundaries.

Know Your Value

Understanding your worth in the marketplace is crucial for sustainable business growth. Anyone can start a business, but it takes a lot of hard work and trust in yourself to be successful. Clearly articulating what sets your product or service apart from competitors enables you to effectively resonate with your target audience. Whether you’re pricing your products or negotiating contracts, knowing the value you bring to the table empowers you to make informed decisions. By emphasizing your value proposition, you can attract and retain customers who recognize your brand’s distinct benefits. Remember, confidence in your value breeds confidence in your customers and partners.

Invest in Expertise

As entrepreneurs, it’s tempting to wear multiple hats and handle every aspect of our business single-handedly. By hiring skilled professionals in areas such as digital marketing, SEO, or graphic design, you can leverage their expertise to enhance your brand’s visibility and profitability. Investing in expertise frees up your time to get more clients and ultimately grow your business more. At the end of the day, you are running a business, and that needs to be profitable. Outsourcing certain functions frees up your time and ensures that critical aspects of your marketing strategy are executed with precision and proficiency. Surround yourself with a talented team that complements your skills and shares your vision for success.

Embrace Failure (or as I say, the journey)

Failure is an inevitable part of the entrepreneurial journey, but it’s also a powerful teacher. You need to fall before you can get up. Doing is the best way of learning. Making a mistake is important because then you know you’ll never make it again. Instead of fearing failure, embrace it as an opportunity for growth and learning. Analyze your failures objectively, identify areas for improvement, and apply those lessons to future endeavours. Remember, some of the most successful entrepreneurs have experienced multiple setbacks before achieving their goals. Don’t aim for perfection; aim for growth and learning. Perseverance and resilience are vital traits that separate thriving businesses from those that falter.

Cultivate Authenticity

Word of mouth is the most influential business tool. 90% of our clients have come from word of mouth or previous networking connections. I spent 7 years in Toronto networking, and it’s the only reason I could make Soar work when I left the city. Authenticity isn’t just a marketing buzzword—it’s a guiding principle that has shaped my entrepreneurial journey. I’ve learned that vulnerability and transparency are powerful tools for building genuine customer connections. Sharing my personal story and struggles authentically has fostered a sense of community around my brand, transcending transactional relationships to create lasting bonds. I’ve learned that being authentic isn’t about putting on a show—it’s about showing up as your true self, flaws and all. Embracing authenticity in your marketing builds trust, loyalty, and genuine connections with your audience.

Prioritize Work-Life Balance

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential for long-term success and well-being. While it’s tempting to prioritize work at the expense of personal time, burnout can harm your health and your business. Establish clear boundaries between work and leisure, prioritize self-care activities, and spend quality time with loved ones. Remember, a well-rested and rejuvenated entrepreneur is better equipped to tackle challenges and seize opportunities.

Adapt and Innovate

Last but not least, let’s talk about flexibility. In the fast-paced world of marketing, standing still is a death sentence. You’ve gotta be ready to pivot, innovate, and roll with the punches. As markets evolve and technologies advance, I’ve learned to embrace uncertainty as an opportunity for growth rather than a barrier to success. Whether pivoting in response to market trends or experimenting with new marketing channels, I’ve discovered the transformative power of agility and resilience in navigating the entrepreneurial landscape.

Soar Media Group Inc., our full-service social media marketing agency located in Toronto, embodies these lessons. Since 2017, we’ve forged long-term partnerships with some of Ontario’s largest corporations, crafting unique social media experiences through digital storytelling and content marketing. Our dedicated team of writers, photographers, and videographers ensures top-quality, story-driven content. With a track record of guiding narratives for national and international brands, we’ve become Toronto’s go-to agency for content creation and marketing.

As you embark on your entrepreneurial journey, remember that success is not defined by the absence of obstacles but by the ability to overcome them with grace and determination. Embrace the lessons learned along the way, and let them guide you toward a future filled with growth, prosperity, and fulfillment. It’s tough out there, but with the right mindset and a healthy dose of grit, you have what it takes to succeed. If you need assistance or want to learn more about what Soar Media Group Inc. can do for your business, feel free to reach out on our website.

To keep up with Soar Media Group’s journey, follow us on Instagram.